Welcome to the beginner’s guide to understanding Islam! In this comprehensive overview, we’ll delve deep into the core beliefs and practices that form the foundation of the Islamic faith. This will lead us to talk about the articles of faith. From the Oneness of God to the acceptance of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) as the last messenger of God and following his teachings, let’s embark on a journey to understanding Islam.
The Belief in the Oneness of Allah (Tawhid)
At the heart of Islam lies the concept of Tawhid, the Oneness of God. Muslims believe in the absolute unity and uniqueness of Allah, the Creator of the universe. They believe that He is one and none can ever be equal to him in His majesty and power over all things. This fundamental belief can be seen in every aspect of a Muslim’s life, in their thought, sayings, views and actions. The Quran emphasizes this principle in Surah Al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112), where it states:
Say, ‘He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.’
Tawhid, the belief in the Oneness of Allah, is the cornerstone of Islamic faith. It encompasses the acknowledgment of Allah’s absolute sovereignty, uniqueness, and omnipotence. Muslims affirm that there is no God worthy of worship except Allah, and He has no partners or associates. The concept of Tawhid rejects any form of polytheism or associating partners with Allah, emphasizing His incomparable attributes and authority.
That is Allah, your Lord; there is no God worthy of worship except Him, the Creator of all things, so worship Him. And He is Disposer of all things. (Surah Al-An’am, 6:102)
Belief in Tawhid entails recognizing Allah’s absolute authority over all creation, including the heavens, the earth, and everything in between. Muslims affirm Allah’s divine attributes, such as His mercy, justice, wisdom, and omnipotence, as revealed in the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
Belief in Prophets (Anbiya)
Prophets are chosen individuals appointed by Allah to convey His message to humanity. Muslims believe in the prophethood of all messengers, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Them). Each prophet received divine guidance and conveyed it to their respective communities, guiding them towards righteousness and monotheism.
And We gave to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – all [of them] We guided. And Noah, We guided before; and among his descendants, David and Solomon and Job and Joseph and Moses and Aaron. Thus do We reward the doers of good. (Surah Al-An’am, 6:84):
From Adam, the first prophet, to Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), the final messenger, Muslims honor the legacy of prophets and recognize their exemplary character, steadfastness, and devotion to Allah.
In the Islamic faith, the acceptance of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) as the final messenger of Allah holds great significance. Accepting his prophethood confirms being a believer, and whoever doesn’t accept his prophethood is not a Muslim under the Sharia ruling. Let’s delve into the importance of accepting the prophethood of Prophet Muhammad and its implications for Muslims.
Accepting the prophethood of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) is central to the Islamic faith. It signifies recognition of divine guidance, affirmation of the authenticity of the Quran, emulation of his exemplary character, and commitment to spiritual growth and moral conduct. Allah affirm his prophethood in the Quran that states that:
Muhammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allah and last of the prophets. And ever is Allah , of all things, Knowing. (Quran Verse 33:40)
For Muslims, Prophet Muhammad is not only a messenger of Allah but also a beloved role model whose teachings continue to illuminate the path of righteousness and guide humanity towards the pursuit of peace, justice, and virtue. His teachings offer solace, guidance, and hope in times of adversity, and his example serves as a source of inspiration for navigating life’s challenges with patience, resilience, and faith.
Through adherence to his teachings, Muslims strive to cultivate a deeper connection with Allah and fulfill their purpose in this world.
“Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much.” Quran (Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:21)
Belief in the Books (Kutub)
Divine revelations were conveyed to prophets through scriptures, providing guidance and enlightenment to humanity. In understanding Islam, Muslims believe in the authenticity and divine origin of these scriptures, including the Quran, revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), and previous scriptures such as the Torah, the Gospel, and others revealed to earlier prophets.
“He has sent down upon you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming what was before it. And He revealed the Torah and the Gospel. Before, as guidance for the people. And He revealed the Qur’an.” (Surah Al-Imran, 3:3-4)
The Quran is regarded as the final and complete revelation, containing guidance for all aspects of human life, and serving as a criterion between truth and falsehood.
Belief in Angels (Malaaika)
Angels are celestial beings created by Allah to carry out His divine commands. They serve as messengers, guardians, and recorders of human deeds. Muslims believe in the existence of angels as messengers, guardians, and servants of Allah. They are free from sin and endowed with specific tasks, including delivering revelations to prophets, recording human deeds, and administering Allah’s divine will.
Aisha reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The angels were created from light, the jinn were created from a mixture of fire, and Adam was created as has been described for you.” (Sahih Muslim 2996)
Belief in the Day of Judgment (Qiyamah)
The belief in the Day of Judgment serves as a reminder of the temporary nature of worldly existence and the ultimate accountability before Allah. In Islam, Muslims affirm the resurrection of the dead, the reckoning of deeds, and the eternal reward or punishment in the Hereafter based on one’s faith and actions in earthly life.
The Day of Judgment indicates the concept of divine justice and the fulfillment of Allah’s promise to reward the righteous and hold the wrongdoers accountable for their actions.
“And the Horn will be blown, and whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth will fall dead except whom Allah wills. Then it will be blown again, and they will rise up at once, looking on ˹in anticipation” Quran (Surah Al-Zumar, 39:68)
Belief in Destiny (Qadr)
In Islam, the belief in destiny, known as Qadr, holds a central place in the faith of Muslims. Qadr encompasses the concept of divine predestination, wherein Allah’s knowledge and decree govern all events and outcomes in the universe. The belief in Qadr affirms that Allah, the Creator of the universe, possesses perfect knowledge of all things, past, present, and future.
Nothing occurs in the cosmos without His knowledge or permission. Muslims believe that Allah has decreed everything according to His wisdom and divine plan. This belief serves as a source of comfort and reassurance, knowing that Allah is in control of all affairs.
“Indeed, all things We created with predestination.” Quran (Surah Al-Qamar, 54:49)
Acceptance of “Divine Will” is important in understanding Islam:
Belief in Qadr requires Muslims to accept both the good and the bad that befalls them as part of Allah’s decree. It emphasizes the importance of patience, trust, and submission to Allah’s will, even in times of adversity. Muslims understand that while they have free will and agency to make choices, ultimately, Allah’s decree prevails.
While Muslims believe in divine predestination, they also recognize their responsibility to make choices and take actions in accordance with Islamic teachings. Belief in Qadr does not negate the importance of striving for excellence, seeking knowledge, and exerting effort in fulfilling one’s duties and obligations. Muslims understand that they will be held accountable for their actions on the Day of Judgment.
“[He] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed – and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving. Quran (Surah Al-Mulk, 67:2)
Whoever comes with a good deed will be rewarded tenfold. But whoever comes with a bad deed will be punished for only one. None will be wronged. (Quran 6:160)
Concept of Faith, Trust in Allah, and the Articles of Faith
In understanding Islam, the concept of Tawakkul, or reliance on Allah alone, is one of the major beliefs that the true believers have in their minds. True Muslims place their trust in Allah alone in all of their affairs and direct their worship to Him alone without associating partners with Him, even without associating any messengers with any of His doing.
Quranic verses such as Surah Al-Tawbah (Chapter 9), Ayah 51, emphasize the importance of placing one’s trust in Allah’s wisdom and providence:
“Say, ‘Never will we be struck except by what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector.’ And upon Allah let the believers rely.” (Quran 9:51)
Iman, or faith, encompasses belief in Allah, His messengers, the angels, the revealed scriptures, the Day of Judgment, and divine decree. In understanding Islam, know that all that faith encompasses are to be believed and buried in the mind, acted upon by the body and spoken about in words.
Quranic references such as Surah Al-Baqarah (Chapter 2), Ayah 285, underscore the significance of nurturing and strengthening one’s faith through righteous deeds and steadfastness in adversity:
“The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in Allah and His angels and His books and His messengers, [saying], ‘We make no distinction between any of His messengers.’ And they say, ‘We hear and we obey. [We seek] Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the [final] destination.'” Surah Al-Baqarah (2:285)
In conclusion, this beginner’s guide provides a comprehensive overview of Islam’s core beliefs and practices. By exploring the principles of Tawhid, the significance of accepting the prophethood of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), articles of faith in Islam, Quranic teachings, and the concept of faith and trust in Allah, we gain a deeper understanding of the rich tapestry of Islamic faith and practice.
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